Victoria Foundation Grant 2011

Success!

The Friends of Music Society was successful with a grant in the amount of $3,200 from the Trellis Foundation Fund through the Victoria Foundation. These funds, along with $1,300 from FOM's own fundraising activities will be used to replace aged sound equipment.

The Friends of Music Society programs showcases people with a mental illness performing at their best, enhancing their confidence and pride in what they are doing and provides pleasure and entertainment to those who may not often have a chance to participate as audience members.

FOM speaks to 5 of the Vital Signs:

•   Health and Wellness;
•   Belonging and Leadership;
•   Arts and Culture;
•   Safety;
•   Standard of Living.

With increasing numbers of people with mental health issues, FOM programs provide socialization, inclusion and skills development. Our programs break through the stigma of mental illness by showcasing our members in a professional manner; our performing groups have participated in activities such as the Victoria Day Parade and Buccaneer Days because of the efforts of our music directors, sound tech, stage hands and members to perform at their best.

For someone living on a tight disability allowance, having new equipment for their group can augment the sense of pride in their efforts as a group. Our members speak of gaining "confidence, friendship and a feeling of belonging." "To see the music bring the members out of their shell is very good to see," "Without FOM I would pretty much have no connections to people." In addition, the bulk and weight of our old equipment causes undue strain on our stage hands who have the responsibility of moving the equipment.